Announcing Changes to USEA Foundation Grants

The Essex Horse Trials Grant and the Seema Sonnad Junior Rider’s Grant will now require eligible riders interested in being considered for these grants to submit a Request for Consideration form. The deadline for submission is September 1, 2017. Details and forms are available here.

The Essex Horse Trials Grant is available to a Developing Rider aged 25 and under who is competing successfully at the CIC3*, CCI3* and 4* levels and who is working towards representing the U.S. in international team competition. The grant is intended to assist the recipient in developing the essential horsemanship skills required for a successful transition from the Young Rider ranks to the Senior Rider ranks. The grant may be used for expenses related to equestrian education, coaching, training, and competing.

The Seema Sonnad Junior Rider’s Grant is for riders 14-18 years of age who are competing successfully at the preliminary and FEI 1* level and who are working towards representing his or her Area at the NAJYRC CIC2* team competition in the following year. The grant is intended to assist the recipient in developing the essential horsemanship skills required for a successful transition from the Junior Rider ranks to the Young Rider CIC2* level. The grant may be used for expenses related to equestrian education, coaching, training, and competing.

Timeline for Grants

September 1 - Request for Consideration forms MUST be submitted. Riders should indicate their competition plans for the rest of the season and any other information that would be helpful to the Selection Committee when making their final decision. Riders who do not submit a Request for Consideration by September 1 will not be considered for the grant.

We all work hard to get our horses shiny and clean for competition day, but it can sometimes take a bit of extra elbow grease to get those grey or white horses looking their best. Rachael Livermore, head groom for Sharon White at Last Frontier Farm, shares some of the tricks she uses to get Sharon's horses looking spick and span - and it starts with everyday care!

This is it! The weekend we've all been waiting for is finally here - the return to competition has arrived! After nearly three months of suspended competitions in light of the COVID-19 pandemic that has swept the country and the world, riders are shining up their boots and preparing to trot down the centerline. While our "new normal" will certainly look different than things did before the pandemic, these new regulations are in place for all our safety.